The next morning, Seraphina attended court in a gown of ivory and gold. She smiled—warm, vacant, perfect. When Malcador, disguised as a new advisor, said, "Your Highness, sign the treaty ceding the eastern mines," she signed without reading.
"Resistance is useless," he hissed. "From now on, your power serves my will. Your body is a vessel. Your mind, a lock. And I have the key." -kyonyuu princess saimin
But that night, alone in her mirror, she watched her own reflection mouth the words: "I am still here." The next morning, Seraphina attended court in a
Her eyelids fluttered. A single tear rolled down her cheek—her will fighting even in slumber. The next morning